Extra Time – Community Games project is roaring success for Foundation

Over the past six weeks, Celtic FC Foundation welcomed over 60 young people every day to Celtic Park to take part in its biggest ever Community Games project, as part of the Scottish FA’s Extra Time programme. Based at the stadium and surrounding locations, and taking place every day from Monday to Friday for six weeks, the project worked with local children of primary school age who benefited from extensive ongoing support during the school holidays. Participants enjoyed three healthy meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and a takeaway meal on exit. They also took part in a host of fun and educational activities including football, music, art, and games. Throughout the curriculum, personal development workshops supported participants in developing team-building skills, communication skills, and a positive self-image. Thousands of children have been supported by the Foundation’s Community Games projects since its inception in 2012. Taking place during the Easter, Summer, and October school breaks each year, vulnerable local children enjoy healthy meals every day, along with a host of fun and educational activities. The project was expanded thanks to funding from the Scottish FA and the Scottish Government, with the Scottish FA Extra Time Programme aiming to provide after-school and holiday activity clubs for primary school-aged children. The programme looks to develop an understanding of how organised activities for children and wider engagement with local support services can improve outcomes, particularly for those families on low incomes. Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation said: “Thanks to the Scottish FA and Scottish Government for additional funding that allowed us to expand this year’s project. “Holiday time leaves many children and families vulnerable so it’s important for us that we can play a part in alleviating that. “We’re also able to run similar initiatives in London and in Ireland thanks to the fundraising efforts of many of our supporters and partners in those areas, and we’ll continue to do this for as long as it’s necessary.” For more information on Celtic FC Foundation’s ‘Extra Time – Community Games’ project, please contact [email protected]